Semi-trucks play a critical role in the modern economy. After all, without tractor-trailers, consumer goods simply could not move freely across the country. You also would probably have to wait for weeks to receive your online orders.
According to Policy Advice, there currently are more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S. While some of these drivers deliver locally, many others are over-the-road truckers. This means these drivers routinely spend dozens of nights away from home.
Over-the-road trucking can be boring
Over-the-road truckers often drive thousands of miles every week. They also tend to follow the same delivery and pickup routes. As you may suspect, this type of professional driving can become boring. Even though good truck drivers know how to keep their boredom under control, others may not be so conscientious.
Regrettably, when boredom gets the better of a trucker, the traveling public is in extreme danger.
Bored driving is dangerous
Driving a tractor-trailer is not always exciting, of course. To pass the time, bored truckers may decide to use a smartphone or tablet, cycle through radio stations or let their minds wander. If boredom leads to distracted driving, truckers have an increased risk of accidents.
Furthermore, because boredom and fatigue often go together, truckers simply may be too drowsy to safely drive their vehicles. When truckers are not alert enough to maintain control of their vehicles, catastrophic accidents can and all too frequently do happen.
Ultimately, if you have an accident with a bored, distracted or drowsy trucker, pursuing financial compensation may be the first step in putting your life back together.
